Welcome to a blog that examines and promotes the secular worldview. The site is uncritical of religious faith. It comments on religious ideas and their profound influence on human behavior.
Ideas here may affiliate, alienate, anger or comfort you. Look deep within yourself whenever possible, and explore your gifts of creativity and logic.
On your wondrous journey through reality, may you discover truths that are uniquely yours, and may you find contentment.

Frye Lake, Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming

Translate

Monday, February 24, 2014

THERE IS ONLY YOUR WAY - FOR NOW

Religion
loses relevance as secular society evolves - so why waste time and creative
energy criticizing it?I live in
Florida, in a peaceful neighborhood of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Christians and
atheists. Although within the "bible belt", we are a blend of harmonious, tolerant neighbors.None of us feel marginalized, angry,
militant, or the need to defend our faith/nonfaith.Krishnamurti said, "The constant
assertion of belief is an indication of fear."I submit that the constant asssertion of
nonbelief is also an indication of fear.

As
a Marine and atheist for 24 years, I personally benefited from the empathy and
compassion I received from chaplains.The anxiety of wounded troops was also significantly alleviated by the
calming, comforting presence of clergy.

As
a hospice patient/family counselor (LCSW) for 13 years, I worked with clergy
who validated and supported the faith and beliefs of dying patients.This was of immense comfort to patients, and respectful
of their diverse values and cultures.Indeed, clergy support was an essential aspect of pain management.We hospice staff (along the entire belief
continuum) respected and supported the religious beliefs of dying patients and
their families.

In my 73 years, I've
watched church attendance dwindle, and churches, mosques and temples sold.I'm not smug, nor do I gloat about this.It simply means that people are discovering
their own truths, and losing faith in their old mythologies.I'm a fascinated observer of the process.